Rajiv-Longowal Accord
Many Sikh and Hindu groups, as well as organizations not affiliated to any religion, attempted to establish peace between the Khalistan proponents and the Government of India.
The Central government attempted to seek a political solution to the grievances of the Sikhs through the Rajiv-Longowal Accord, which took place between the late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Harchand Singh Longowal, the then President of the Akali Dal, who was assassinated a few months later. The accord recognised the religious, territorial and economic demands of the Sikhs that were thought to be non-negotiable under Indira Gandhi's tenure. The agreement provided a basis for a return to normalcy, but it was denounced by a few Sikh militants who refused to give up demand for an independent Khalistan. Harchand Singh Longowal was later assassinated by these militants. The transfer has allegedly been delayed pending an agreement on the districts of Punjab that should be transferred to Haryana in exchange.
The Khalistani separatists have alleged that the Indian government has not implemented several of the points outlined in the Rajiv-Longowal Accord. The table below provides some of the solutions outlined in the agreement and the status of their impending implementation:
| Issue | Agreement | Implementation |
|---|---|---|
| Implementation of Anandpur Sahib Resolution (ASR) seeking greater autonomy to states | Referred to Sarkaria Commission Report | October 1987: Rejects ASR approach to Center-State relations |
| Transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab | To be transferred by January 1986. Punjab to compensate Haryana with equivalent territory for a new capital. Other territorial disputes to be settled by a commission. | Three commissions (Matthew/Venkatarmiah/Desai) fail to provide an agreement. Strong opposition in Haryana. July 1986: union government suspends the transfer for an indefinite period. |
| Sharing of Ravi-Beas Waters by non-riparian states | A tribunal headed by a Supreme Court judge to adjudicate. July 1985 consumption as a baseline. | May 1987: Eradi Tribunal reduced Punjab's July 1985 level while doubling Haryana’s share. |
| Prosecution of those responsible for November 1984 Anti-Sikh Pogroms | Referred to Mishra Commission | February 1987: Absolves Congress (I) of responsibility placing guilt on Delhi police. |
| Army Deserters | To be rehabilitated and given gainful employment | August 1985: 900 out of 2,606 deserters rehabilitated. |
| Political Detainees | Release of political detainees and withdrawal of special powers | Limited releases. May 1988, Parliament passes the 59th amendment to the constitution. The amendment allowed for the suspension of the rights to life and liberty, habeas corpus, freedoms of speech and association, and the guarantee of fundamental rights. |
| Religious Autonomy | Enactment of an all-India Gurdwara act | Not enacted; May 1988: Religious Institutions (Prevention of Misuse) Ordinance. |
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